Health informatics is one of the fastest growing career fields in healthcare. A number of accredited colleges and universities now offer online health informatics degree programs. We've put together this rankings of some of the best online Associate's degrees in Health Informatics to help you find the right program for your budget and needs. You can read more about rankings methodology here.
#1. Northwestern College
Founded in Chicago in 1902, Northwestern College is a career-oriented undergraduate college offering associate's degrees and certificates in 17 different programs. Northwestern College currently has three campuses in Bridgeview, Chicago and Naperville, Illinois and also offers online courses on its virtual campus.
Program Overview
Northwestern College offers an accredited associate's degree program in Health Information Technology, which focuses on compiling, coding and maintaining patient records efficiently and securely. The program includes instruction in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology along with training in data management, organization management, health informatics, statistics and data management. Upon completion of the program, students are expected to be able to manage health information efficiently and securely as mandated by legal and ethical standards.
Accreditation
The Health Information Technology associate's degree program at Northwestern College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Northwestern College itself is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
#2. Anthem College Online
Founded in 2002, Anthem College Online is a division of Anthem Education, which has provided technical, career-focused instruction since 1965. Anthem College Online specializes in long-distance courses that allow students to interact with peers and professors without disrupting their careers and family lives.
Program Overview
Anthem College Online offers a comprehensive associate's degree program in health information management. Concentration courses include instruction in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and medical office management as well as the implementation and maintenance of information technology in a healthcare setting. 24-hour forums allow students to interact with peers and professors at any time, and the online setting enables students to access their course materials and instructional videos on their own schedules. Students also complete a general education curriculum that includes general office and life skills, computer literacy and training for career success. The associate's degree program culminates in a "capstone" course that requires students to practice their skills in a virtual medical office.
Accreditation
Anthem College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges & Schools (ACICS).
#3. Ultimate Medical Community
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a career-focused healthcare academy with campuses in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1994, UMA offers 17 diploma and associate's degree programs, many of which can be completed online. UMA features flexible scheduling for all of its courses and prides itself on being a military-friendly institution.
Program Overview
Ultimate Medical Academy offers an associate's degree program in Health Information Technology (HIT), which helps students build a foundation of administrative and technical skills needed to succeed in the field of health information. Every course focuses on practical skills and real-world situations under the guidance of instructors with relevant industry experience. UMA's program focuses on preparedness to work with electronic health records (EHR) technology. Depending on concentration, the associate's degree can be completed in as little as 18 months; all courses are available online.
Accreditation
Ultimate Medical Academy is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). It is a member of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
#4. Hodges University
Based in Naples, Fla., Hodges University is a private university established to prepare students for the workforce. The university offers degrees at the associate, bachelor's and master's levels, including 22 online degrees. The school has a second campus in Fort Myers, Fla., as well as four learning sites throughout Florida. Founded in 1990, it focuses on adult learners and enrolls about 2,900 students.
Program overview
Hodges University offers an online associate degree in health information management, one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare industry. Students learn to organize, analyze and evaluate the health information that healthcare professionals rely on to provide quality care. Students learn to compile health statistics, code diseases and create disease data registries. The program prepares graduates to take the national qualifying exam to become a registered health information technician.
Accreditation
Hodges University receives its accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on colleges. The health information program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
#5. Carrington College California
Carrington College California is a private college based in Sacramento, California. About 10,000 students are enrolled across its nine campuses in California and online. Carrington was originally established to meet the educational needs of the local healthcare community; health-related degree programs still make up a huge portion of its offerings.
Program Overview
Carrington College California's online associate's degree program in health information technology trains students to communicate effectively with physicians and healthcare professionals, to enter data into medical information systems, to efficiently utilize electronic medical records (EHR) and to maintain data integrity. The online instruction mixes theory and practice by conveying background information and giving students hand-on experience through simulations. Likewise, the program combines independent study with constant access to peers and expert instructors. Finally, graduates become skilled in medical coding and coding regulations.
Accreditation
Carrington College is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges' Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. It also holds accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).
#6. National University
Located in San Diego, National University is a non-profit educational institution that includes five professional schools and one college. Since its founding in 1971, National University has focused on continuing and adult education; most on-campus courses meet in the evening or on weekends, and the university offers a robust selection of online courses. More than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled.
Program Overview
National University offers a comprehensive Associate of Science with a Major in Health Informatics degree program that educates students in the implementation of information technology in the healthcare industry. Students come to understand the organization of the healthcare system in the United States, the relevant medical terminology, the social, cultural and economic factors that impact the industry and the role technology plays in ensuring efficient operations and quality patient care. The program emphasizes effective communication and management skills in a professional setting. All courses are available online on completely flexible schedules.
Accreditation
National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
#7. Herzing University
Herzing University
Founded in 1965, Herzing University was initially established as a post-secondary institution for students in the computer industry. It expanded its programs to include business, public safety, healthcare, graphic design and electronics. It has 12 locations in eight states and also offers online courses. The magazine GI Jobs recognized Herzing University as a military-friendly institution.
Program Overview
Health information management is one of the most rapidly expanding fields in healthcare. Herzing University offers an online associate degree in health information management that prepares graduates to take the national qualifying examination to become a registered health information technician. Students learn how to organize data, create registries, code diagnoses and work with electronic health records. The program prepares students to work in a selection of healthcare settings, including a medical office, hospital and acute care facility.
Accreditation
A member of the North Central Association, Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its online associate and bachelor degree programs in health information management are accredited by the Commission on Health Informatics and Information Management Education.